These bibs are a bit tighter fitting than Bontrager Velocis (MED) or Castelli Free Aero Race 4 (LRG) bibs and the chamois is more comfortable as well. It took a few times using these bibs to get used to them but once I did I began to like them more. They are cut a bit longer than Bontrager which I like. I like the Bontragers but on long rides they tend to chafe me on the inner thigh crease. The Castellis chamois in not as comfortable on longer rides. Im splitting hairs on the comparison, as they are all good bib shorts, but if I could only pick only one, Id pick the Pearls. Im 5-11, 165-170lbs and I wear the Mediums.
I bought these bibs as I had worn through every other pair of bibs I own (giving my riding partner a clear view of my backside). I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable these were at this price point. On average, I ride a couple hundred miles a week during the summer, and I am confident wearing these bibs on century rides. I am 5-10 with a very long (swimmer's) torso and a size large fits well and snug. I liked the first pair enough to buy another.
These have become my favorite bibs, I own two pairs now. I’m 5-11, 170lbs and I wear these in medium. They are snug but good length in the leg and have comfortable chamois & straps. I have some other bibs that tend to rub me raw in certain spots and these do not. Some chamois I find are not comfortable after 20 miles or so but the chamois on these bib remain relatively comfortable even on 100 mile rides.
Great bibs. This is my 4th pair. My only complaint is the newer versions the past 3-4 years are longer in the leg. Being 5'7" or so they go to right above my knee. No rub but the older versions were 2 inches shorter in the leg which worked better for me personally. I am sure the taller bikers may like this longer version. Still great bibs and mostly all I wear now. I still use my 8 year old versions of these for short rides. They really last a long time. Worth the money.
I have purchased Pearl clothing for years. In the past the longer inseam was welcome being a tall cyclist. Then, Pearl shortened their inseam making their bib shorts all but unbearable. I needed more bib shorts so I took the chance and ordered these shorts. Much to my pleasant surprise in addition to having the P.R.O. chamois they lengthened the inseam. So, I jumped on an opportunity not knowing how long it would be before these would be available and purchased several pair. Great fit and the new material is very comfortable.
This is my fourth pair of these bibs. I have 2 pairs of these pro bibs that are 6 year old, I have put tens of thousands of miles on them and still in regular rotation. Mostly use the older ones for mid distance and the new ones for long rides. I have tried a half dozen (Castelli, sportful, Giro, Gore Wear, etc) other brands high end bib shorts and these just fit me well. Comfortable very breathable fabric. Nice laser cut straps that are soft and do not dig into skin even after 8 hours in the saddle. Pad is well fitting with good coverage but not overly bulky. My pair of Sportful bibs are crazy lightweight, breathable but the pad is massive so tends to rub on long rides. These PI Pro do not for me. If you put in the miles these are well worth the money in my opinion. Especially considering how long they tend to last. My only quibble on the new versions is that the legs are a tad longer than the old ones. I am 5'8", 160lbs. Wear a medium. The old versions stopped 4-5 inches above my knee. The new ones end an inch above knee. They do rub behind the knee though so not a big deal. Just personal preference that I liked the shorter leg length but designs/trends change. I have been cycling for 30 years.
Needed something reliable with no flashy graphics that went with all my team kit and other jerseys. These bibs are so supple- laser cut edges are kinda rad- they disappear on me. Chamois is a bit sparse but still solid.
When shopping for Bib's it's always a little depressing to see how much it costs to buy a premium set. I've tried saving $ now and again by buying a cheaper bib, but every time I do, it's a complete waste of money because I end up never wearing them. There are few things worse on a bike ride than a sore crotch area, and even worse, a saddle sore. The chamois used in the P.R.O. bibs are exceptional. I can sit on my saddle all day and have zero issues, every time. At this point I will absolutely not buy any bibs, shorts, or tights, that don't have a P.R.O. chamois (or equivalent).
I've worn P.R.O-level Pearl Izumi bibs for the last 7 years and always been happy with the fit and durability. This latest iteration is truly a notch (or two) above anything in the past. Chamois appears unchanged and is as good as ever for 100+ mile days in the saddle. The short and suspenders conform so perfectly and seamlessly that they seem to disappear. There's no binding or bunching at the leg openings, crotch, shoulder straps or...anywhere.
I use this garment these daily for shortish conditioning sessions. In general, it does what I'd like, fitting snugly, keeping the legs in place, and not sagging as they wear in. The padding is pretty well placed and works well, especially when using chamois cream liberally. However, it would be more effective if it continued across the inguinal fold and down the medial thigh.
A fray has started at the bottom of the abdominal piece, but it has not propagated after several months of daily use. This is a concern. It shouldn't happen to a product in this price range. However, I have elected to continue using it, since this small defect has not damaged overall usefulness.
In sum, this is not the best cycling garment I've ever used, but it's pretty good withal and worth the price.
I have used various generations of PRO bibs over the years. To me they have proven to be a good balance of quality, fit, and price. These bibs have a new, more densely padded chamois pad that I think will work great for longer rides. My 59 year old butt felt great on the ride. The fabric seems a bit heavier than previous versions, and has a sort of wet seal or grippy feel to it when you put these on. It was a little harder to get them on and adjusted properly, and the shoulder straps twisted into ropes that had to be straightened out. The ragged edge approach made these feel a little less structured than previous generation bibs. Overall a slightly different feel compared to older versions, but still very comfortable. Graphics are very low profile, I miss the bold white Pearl Izumi logos.
Best bib I've had. Wore it on a 65 mile ride and it performed. I've found my forever bib.
Have been getting by with cheap bibs for years. These things and so top quality and comfortable. Got a second pair after a couple of rides in the first.
Great fabric and cut.
I own a few older pro escape bib tights and love them. Have put thousands of miles on them and still in pretty good shape. These are not quite as good in my opinion. Leg is maybe an inch longer and the pad does not seem the same quality. Still very comfortable. The older versions I could do a 100 mile ride with only a little discomfort. These not so much. Have done a few 70-80 mile rides on Selle smp pro saddle I usually ride and some mild discomfort after 50-60. Not so bad as to return but may try another brand next time. Brands always have to change things even when they work great as is. Frustrating to say the least.
I have multiple older pro escape models I have put thousands of miles on. My personal favorite. Needing to replace a couple so bought these on sale. Has the pro escape pad which I really like for long rides over 50 miles. Work well over a hundred too but at that point no pad it perfect. The pursuit model pad is too thin for distance rides. The fabric on these is also soft with decent compression. My only complaint is these new models have long legs. Why why why?? New trend in style I presume because there is absolutely no good reason otherwise. These sit right above my knees. Older version sat 34 down thighs. I am 58, 160 lbs and if I want knickers I will by knickers! Oie, silly design. Still great shorts but wish they had a shorter leg option if they are going to redesign them this way. On hot, long training rides I want less. Not More!
Replaced Previous PI brand bib after many good years and very comfortable. Unfortunatly started to get a rash after a couple rides with new PRO bib. Nothing else changed or new with my riding. Switched back to old bib and no rash. Dissapointing purchase.
As I increased my weekly mileage to well over 100 mi/ week, I've progressed from quest to attack shorts and now onto PRO Bibs with a second set I alternate with. I won't go back as the quality is much better, particularly the padding. Highly recommend.
I have used a lot of bibs ranging from low cost like Black Bibs to premium cost like Assos and I have never been able to find a pair that are as comfortable as these. The material is soft and stretchy and conforms to your body without too much compression. The laser cut straps go over the shoulders and you forget they're there. The chamois is comfortable enough for about a 4-5hr ride. Sizing is accurate. These are my new favorite bib!
I have been doing a lot of longer rides the past two years and needed a more comfortable bib short than the Castelli shorts that I was using. I first bought one pair of the Pro bibs and fell in love with them. Now I have 3 pair to rotate during the week. I like the very comfortable shoulder straps and the seat chamois. I have heard some say they do not like the laser cut edges but I love them and they stay in place.
Have worn several different bib brands over the years. Keep returning to Pearl Izumi for the quality and comfort of their product. These pro bibs are amazing - chamois is thick and durable for both short and long rides. They are light weight and provide great leg compression. The seamless top layer of chamois area a dream. Very reasonably priced for the quality. Also personally like the high waist panel.
